"Smiling Ladies" win King Harry Charity Gig Race

Thirteen gig teams in bright coloured wigs raced near three miles for charity in the first King Harry Ferry Charity Gig Race.

The event, which was organised by staff at the ferry and took place on Ruan Creek with the finish line at the King Harry Ferry, raised over £500 for the British Epilepsy Association.

Toby Budd, from the ferry company, said: ''It was a great race! Ruan Creek is an awesome location for a gig race and we are delighted with turnout.

“We would like to say thanks to Steve Skinner from Skinners Brewery for supplying 150 pints of Betty Stoggs; Karren and Nick at the Cornish Pig Company for the mouth watering bacon butties and sausage rolls for all the hungry rowers; James at Global Factor for providing 150 event T-Shirts; Garrick Royle from the St Mawes Ferry Company for suppliying the spectator boat so friends and family could watch the rowers close-up; Davide of Mor design for the fantastic trophy, the guys from Truro Harbour Authority for their help on the water and finally a big thanks to all those who came on the day to row - we hope to see you all again next year!

“After the race, competitors and spectators boarded the King Harry Ferry – which was still carrying paying passengers - for the beer and food. And the prize-giving generated much laughter on the quiet river and a few puzzled looks from the paying passengers as the ferry continued back and forth from Philleigh to Feock,” Toby added.